I'm currently rebuilding my ka and getting prepped to run ~15psi of boost. I'll be running a 8.5:1 piston and I don't know which headgasket I should go with.
I like the idea of having the sealing power of a metal headgasket, but is there any problems associated with heat transfer and expansion rates between the iron block and the aluminum heads? The foreman at the machine shop that is doing my engine work seems to think a metal headgasket would be a bad choice. He recommended going with a Felpro gasket.
Would a regular felpro hold 15psi of boost for any length of time?
It seems that the Cometic is a popular choice among the boosted ka's, is anyone running a coppper headgasket or have any experiences with them?
just a word on the foreman at the machine shop, he does not do much turbo work. Most of his stuff is NA v8's.
Headgasket Choice...your input!
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nizmo240sx_22
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Structure240sx
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yes the stock headgasket will do jsut fine. if you want pay a little extra and get a cometic. no reason to onyl run 15psi on a built motor. for street ok but eventually you will upgrade and want to run more boost at the track/dyno.
i jsut ran 19psi last night off the stock HG and bolts everything is holding great
i jsut ran 19psi last night off the stock HG and bolts everything is holding great
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klattr1
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Re: (Structure240sx)
i always tell people to run stock headgasket until that blows, figure out why it blew (due to detonation maybe, too much cylinder pressure for stock h/g material, or whatever) and then make sure you are confident in your tune before you put on a metal headgasket.
running a metal headgasket is not for everyone since they are so durable and wont wear as easily. for example, ive blown a motor before that had forged pistons and every piston was crapped out and the Cometic headgasket wasnt touched whatsoever. this was an extreme detonation but it goes to show what kind of abuse they can take compared to stock material type and will pass on the abuse.
most people will tell you its not necessary to use metal headgasket below 22 psi or so. it is specific to each motor, the tune (air fuel ratios and timing). but if you plan on pushing your motor to the limits and you are confident in tuning and can perform a headgasket change properly, then go for it.
running a metal headgasket is not for everyone since they are so durable and wont wear as easily. for example, ive blown a motor before that had forged pistons and every piston was crapped out and the Cometic headgasket wasnt touched whatsoever. this was an extreme detonation but it goes to show what kind of abuse they can take compared to stock material type and will pass on the abuse.
most people will tell you its not necessary to use metal headgasket below 22 psi or so. it is specific to each motor, the tune (air fuel ratios and timing). but if you plan on pushing your motor to the limits and you are confident in tuning and can perform a headgasket change properly, then go for it.